Will Scotland Leave the UK?

[Pierre]

Nothing has been clarified in regards to an independant Scotland's entry to the EU.

All he said was that Scotland was not part of the 5 countries Turkey, Bulgaria etc (i can't remember them all) currently seeking admission.

Scotland is a different case and will be treated separately if and when the time comes.

The positions expressed earlier by Junkers and Barroso have not changed.

[Osem]

Originally Posted by Pierre

Nothing has been clarified in regards to an independant Scotland's entry to the EU.

All he said was that Scotland was not part of the 5 countries Turkey, Bulgaria etc (i can't remember them all) currently seeking admission.

Scotland is a different case and will be treated separately if and when the time comes.

The positions expressed earlier by Junkers and Barroso have not changed.

Oh yes they have! Bravemouth says so...

Originally Posted by Mr Angry

I didn't quote any remarks he may or may not have made. The article snippet which Derek provided contains no quotes from Mr Juncker as far as I can see.

Either way Damien, he has clarified he was not referencing Scotland when he was talking about no new entrants over the next five years, a point relevant to both sets of "comments" I think you'll agree.

Juncker was not referencing Scotland because Scotland is not a candidate for admission to the EU. Yesterday's comments are neither for nor against the referendum issue, they are entirely besides it.

What still stands, however, are the comments of J.M. Barrosso, echoed and supported by Von Rumpoy and Juncker, that Scotland's accession would of itself be difficult if not impossible, and that you don't gain entry to the EU simply by sending a fax (or an email, or whatever it was). The point is, *if* Scotland votes yes, it is a hopeless fantasy to believe it could negotiate membership of the EU according to the process outlined by the SNP - a process with no precedent or basis in treaty.

[Mr Angry]

Calm down ladies.

[Pierre]

Originally Posted by Mr Angry

Calm down ladies.

?

[Qtx]

Originally Posted by Chris

Juncker was not referencing Scotland because Scotland is not a candidate for admission to the EU. Yesterday's comments are neither for nor against the referendum issue, they are entirely besides it.

Salmond needs to hi-five, Mason-shake or whatever this awkward thing is to show Juncker his love for the EU first.


(c) GF

[heero_yuy]

Originally Posted by Qtx

Salmond needs to hi-five, Mason-shake or whatever this awkward thing is to show Juncker his love for the EU first.

That's bending over and taking it like a man.

[Cobbydaler]

Some significant (and not so significant) stats here

[Pierre]

Guaranteed conservative government, minimal impact to exports, more productive population.

Win win.

I'm pro UK. But if, and it's a massive unlikely if, the yes campaign won. I really think Scotland would struggle and the remaining UK prosper.

But really, it's a big bag of unknowns, so best to leave it as it is.

[Stuart]

According to the Scottish sports minister, any Yes vote should not stop the UK government and lottery funding Scottish sports..

http://news.sky.com/story/1305878/ye...sports-funding

I'd like to ask why? I can understand the Lottery funding continuing, but not the UK government funding. If the Scottish want independence, they should pay for it. Why should we be paying for Scottish athletes to compete against us? After all, if you believe Alex Salmond's figures, they'll be one of the wealthiest nations on earth, so they'll be able to afford it.

Unless there is something the Yes campaign will not admit to.

[Derek]

Originally Posted by Stuart

If the Scottish want independence, they should pay for it. Why should we be paying for Scottish athletes to compete against us?

You shouldn't. It's another example of the SNP wanting anything but independence with iScotland being propped up by rUK in numerous ways like power subsidies and banking guarantees.

[Mr Angry]

Originally Posted by Stuart

According to the Scottish sports minister, any Yes vote should not stop the UK government and lottery funding Scottish sports..

http://news.sky.com/story/1305878/ye...sports-funding

I'd like to ask why? I can understand the Lottery funding continuing, but not the UK government funding. If the Scottish want independence, they should pay for it. Why should we be paying for Scottish athletes to compete against us? After all, if you believe Alex Salmond's figures, they'll be one of the wealthiest nations on earth, so they'll be able to afford it.

Unless there is something the Yes campaign will not admit to.

Is this perhaps relevant to the stated aim of independence whilst retaining their Britishness?

[nomadking]

Why couldn't they arrange their own lottery? After all, those in Scotland would no longer be eligible to enter the National Lottery.

Originally Posted by Mr Angry

Is this perhaps relevant to the stated aim of independence whilst retaining their Britishness?

It's consistent with the SNP strategy of "everything will change but nothing will change", developed in recognition of the fact that the Scottish electorate has no appetite for the sort of radical constitutional change favoured by many nationalists.

They want to get a "Yes" vote without scaring anyone. Unfortunately, if they do, there will be no further referendums to prevent them remodelling Scotland pretty much any way they want.

Originally Posted by Mr Angry

Is this perhaps relevant to the stated aim of independence whilst retaining their Britishness?

'cake', 'having', eating it' seems relevant as well...